In "The Good Soldier Švejk" by Jaroslav Hašek, the quote reflects on the challenges of working with uneducated individuals who lack basic literacy skills. The narrator expresses frustration with these people who cannot formalize transactions due to their inability to read or write. Their reliance on simple symbols hinders effective communication and complicates financial dealings, highlighting a broader critique of bureaucracy and its inefficiencies, especially in less learned populations.

The emphasis on literacy underscores a significant societal divide where educated individuals can navigate systems and generate proper documentation. In contrast, those who are illiterate face obstacles that prevent them from participating fully in economic transactions. Hašek's narrative thus sheds light on the importance of education and the ramifications of a lack of it in the functioning of society, suggesting that cultural and intellectual development is crucial for effective interactions in various spheres, including financial matters.